Document Type : Original Article
Author
Assistant Professor of Persian Language and Literature Department of Allameh Tabatabai University
Abstract
A comparative study of texts provides an opportunity to analyze how concepts are represented and recreated across different linguistic and cultural contexts. The expression of mystical concepts for a young audience is of particular importance in adapted, translated, or recreated texts, as young readers are not only unfamiliar with the language and style of classical mystical works but also require abstract ideas to be redefined and localized within the target language. This qualitative study analyzes three versions of Attar’s Conference of the Birds in Persian, Turkish, and English, all of which aim to convey mystical meanings to a new generation, particularly adolescents. The research examines similarities and differences in textual structure, linguistic elements and registers, writing style, content changes, and visual sign systems (such as color, typography, and imagery). Findings indicate that each author has approached meaning-making in a unique way: the Persian version remains faithful to the original’s traditional style and literary tone; the Turkish version simplifies the language and adopts a narrative-driven approach to resonate with today’s youth; and the English version extensively modifies content to make mystical ideas accessible to contemporary young readers. The Persian and Turkish versions demonstrate many similarities in linguistic and content elements, a reflection of their shared cultural and religious context. In all three texts, mystical concepts are conveyed not only through lexical translation and recreation but also through a semiotic system that integrates linguistic and visual elements tailored to a young audience
Keywords
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